Effect of Sources and Levels of Sulphur on Growth and Economics of Toria (Brassica campestris var. Toria)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2024-25 at the Crop Research Farm, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.), India, to evaluate how different sources and levels of sulphur affect the growth and yield of the toria crop. The study included three sulphur sources—Single Super Phosphate, Gypsum, and Ammonium Sulphate—applied at three different levels: 30, 45, and 60 kg S/ha, along with a control (no sulphur). Treatments were laid out in a factorial design and replicated three times. The results showed that the application of Ammonium Sulphate at 60 kg S/ha delivered the most promising outcomes. This treatment recorded the tallest plants (112.25 cm), highest dry weight (19.33 g), most branches per plant (8.47), highest crop growth rate (17.4 g/m²/day), maximum siliquae per plant (155.73), more seeds per siliqua (15.53), and the highest seed (1.18 t/ha) and stover yields (2.37 t/ha). Economically, this treatment also outperformed all others, with the highest gross return (₹74,712/ha), net return (₹45,692/ha), and a benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 1.57, indicating strong profitability alongside improved crop performance.